What do we do with the garbage we pick up? The City will
pick up any litter you collect as long as you leave it near the roadside
where you picked it up and
let the Highways and Bridges Department know you have left it
(203.924.9277). If you have only one or two bags, please include it with
your regular trash pickup rather than calling HIghways and Bridges.
Note: NO HOUSEHOLD CLEAN-UPS (junk from attics and basements) will be hauled
by Highways & Bridges. This event is only for litter.
Public Works has information about proper disposal and recycling of
special materials on their
webpage.
2. Where can we get garbage bags? Bags and gloves are available at the Community Center Parks & Rec office and City
Hall (Mayor's office, 2nd floor, and from the Conservation Agent, room
102) while supplies last. For 2012 we have 3 sizes of nitrile gloves
available.
3. Does our event have to be on Earth Day? No! Shelton
Clean Sweep is very flexible. Do it when you can, preferably that week, but
this is not critical.
4.
How do I get patches for my participants? We have
"Shelton Clean Sweep 2012" patches and certificates that will be handed out
free of charge to all participants who return to this website after their
event and enter the names and addresses for everyone who participated. (A
new online form will be set up but will not be viewed by the public).
All participants will be invited to City Hall to receive their certificates
from the Mayor. This was something many Scouting groups in particular
enjoy.
5. How do I get credit for High School Community Service hours?
Register your clean-up, keep track of your hours and what you do, take a
couple photos, then stop in to see the Conservation Agent. If you
can't make it during the Agent's normal hours (8:30-2:30 Mon-Thurs,
sometimes later), just call to make special arrangements (203-924-1555 x315)
or email
conservation@cityofshelton.org.
6
. What hazards should I be aware of? Poison ivy is very
easy to get in April - wear long pants and gloves. The tiny leaves are just
starting to open and are often red. Sharp objects, such as glass, nails and
needles may be a hazard. Traffic can be a hazard: Streets may be closed to
traffic by the Police Department if requested, but some cars will still go
around the barriers and speed down the road. Posting an extra sign or having
someone at the road entrances to explain the clean-up is suggested.
Participants should be sure to wear bright colors (preferably safety vests)
when around traffic.
7
. I know of some land that needs cleaning - can I select that
property even though I don't see it listed? Absolutely. But if it
is private property, be sure to obtain permission from the property owner
first.
8
. How do I get my neighbors involved? It's much easier
than you think - many people are willing to become involved as long as
someone ELSE starts the ball rolling. We have created a flyer template you
can use. The form is an MS Word document - you can either print out the form
and fill it in by hand, or use your computer to complete the flyer. Download
the
Neighborhood Event flyer. Just pick a date, time and location, fill out
the flyer form, and distribute to your neighbors. There may be some
neighborhood kids willing to distribute the flyers for you.
9
. How do I get a street closed? The
Police Department may
be able to close the street for you. Stop by the Police Station and fill out
a request. If approved, they will drop off road barriers before the event
for you. Major streets or state highways cannot be closed. Note that there
may be too many requests for street closures at the same time as we approach
Earth Day, so plan early and check with the Police before you send flyers
out to your neighbors. You might need to schedule your clean-up on a
different date in order to have the road closed. Note: Some cars will ignore
the barriers - if you have children in the road for this event we suggest
you post large signs near the barrier that say kids will be in the street,
or have volunteers talk with each driver that wants to go past the barriers.
